A local rector has objected to plans for a new football pitch at Alderley Park in Nether Alderley due to concerns that it would result in whistle-blowing, crowd shouting and loud swearing.
Alderley Park Ltd have applied for planning permission to build a full size football pitch on land to the northwest of Mereside car park, which is currently grassland bound by trees and hedgerows.
The scheme includes an 11-a-side senior football pitch and single storey pavilion building with changing, toilet and shower facilities, storage areas, a kitchen and an education room which would be available to the community.
The site falls within the North Cheshire Green Belt the Site and is located adjacent to the Alderley Edge Conservation Area. To the northwest of the site there is a number of listed buildings, the nearest being the Grade II Listed Eagle and Child Cottage, and St.Mary's Church, which lies approximately 200 metres to the northwest.
The Rector of St.Mary's Church has objected to the planning application stating it will have an adverse impact in the church due to the noise from football matches and training sessions which "can be disturbing and distressing".
In his letter of objection Rev'd Jon Hale wrote "These are sounds of whistle-blowing, crowd shouting and individual people shouting, often in a state of heightened emotion which can cause loud swearing.
"Despite the presence of trees and vegetation, the sounds from the proposed football pitch would carry, and particularly so in the winter – which is the football season - when the trees have shed their leaves."
He also raised concerns regarding an intrusion on openness of the green belt site when viewed from Ladies Lane and Congleton Road.
Kath Mackay, Managing Director, Bruntwood SciTech - Alderley Park said "The Alderley Park masterplan is about creating a total place to work, live, and relax for the science and tech businesses based at the Park, residents and the local community.
"The proposed sports pitch will create a valuable new amenity for the benefit of the local community and schools. Once built, the changing pavilion will also have an education room which can be used for a variety of activities such as after school clubs and holiday camps, providing much needed space for the community and younger generations to come together."
A hybrid planning application (ref: 15/5401M) was approved in June 2016 for the redevelopment of the wider Alderley Park estate, this included the redevelopment of specialist laboratory, office and ancillary floorspace, residential dwellings, a mixed- use local centre, sports facilities, community uses, car parking and associated open space.
The application site for the new football pitch falls outside the site boundary of the previous hybrid application and has not previously been subject to any form of development.
Plans for the football pitch at Alderley Park can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council planning portal by searching for planning reference 21/0630M.
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What a selfish viewpoint
Seems a bit selfish to me
A man of the cloth should know better!